BET Networks has announced that R'n'B’s brightest stars Mary J Blige, Maxwell, Xscape and El Debarge along with some of hip-hop’s hottest talent including A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Gucci Mane, Swae Lee, Khalid and SZA, andmusician Kamasi Washington will perform at the BET Awards 17.

The iconic annual show will also have performances from previously announced hit makers including Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Big Sean, Future, Migos, Trey Songz, Tamar Braxton, New Edition, Post Malone, Roman GianArthur and Jessie Reyez. The BET Awards 17 has set the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking broadcasts.

Hosted by stand-up comedian Leslie Jones, the 2017 BET Awards is sure to include unforgettable moments, appearances and performances you won’t want to miss! The BET Awards 17 will air on 27 June 2017 at 20:00 CAT on BET (129).

BET Networks also revealed iconic R'n'B group New Edition will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards 17. In addition, multi-GRAMMY Award winning hip-hop artist and singer-songwriter, Chance the Rapper, will receive the evening’s Humanitarian Award presented by Walmart.

Africa will be greatly represented at the prestigious event with singer and humanitarian Yvonne Chaka Chaka and social activist Ilwad Elman being awarded with International Global Good Star and Power Awards. Eight leading African artists including AKA, Nasty C, Babes Wodumo, Wizkid, Tekno, Mr Eazi, Davido and Stonebwoy will all vie for the Best International Act: Africa category. Amazulu hitmaker Amanda Black and Tanzanian performer Ray Vanny are nominated for Viewer’s Choice Award Best International Act, in conjunction with performers from the UK, South Korea, Canada, Australia and Jamaica.

As previously announced, Beyoncé dominates this year’s nominations with a total of seven including Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best Collaboration with Kendrick Lamar for Freedom, Video of the Year, and Album of the Year for Lemonade. Bruno Mars follows with five nods including Album of the Year, Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, and Video of the Year for 24K Magic. Other nominees include Solange, nominated for four awards and who is up against sister Beyoncé for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Chance the Rapper and Migos receive four nominations as well, Chance the Rapper nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best New Artist and Migos for Best Group and Best Collaboration for their #1 hit Bad and Boujee with Lil Uzi Vert Award.

Russian Bear is the official South African broadcast sponsor for the BET Awards 2017.